Simple, Tasty Quinoa Recipes: Idli, Upma, Dosa, Cookies

We have compiled quinoa recipes on this page. Do take some time to explore these quinoa recipes that are healthy, quick to process, and filling to keep you full for a good amount of time.

There is a lot of buzz about quinoa these days. Ever wondered why? Yes, the benefits of quinoa are immense and it is no surprise that you will instantly fall in love with this pseudocereal or pseudograin, which has gained widespread popularity as a super food among health freaks.

Quinoa: A Super Food?
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidant phytonutrients, and fiber, quinoa (pronounced as keen-waa) is a complete protein, thanks to its excellent amino acid balance. Yes, quinoa recipes are a perfect way to get your protein serving.

With its notable vitamin E and omega-6 content, quinoa benefits health in more ways than one. It comprises flavonoids and polyphenols and is regarded as a neutraceutical, thanks to its high nutritional content. In simple words, neutraceutical is any product derived from plants with extra health benefits.

History of Quinoa: Recipes to Explore
The history of quinoa dates long back to 5,000 years. It was popularly known as mother grain by the Incas.

Do you think it is a challenge to eat healthy all the time? But I do it pretty well, considering the amount of healthy recipes I prepare on a regular basis.

One of the simplest ways to ensure you are eating healthy is to substitute unhealthy ingredients with healthier ones. Yes, it’s that simple! Yay!!

If you take a promise from yourself not to buy unhealthy ingredients from the grocery, next time you try to cook something, you won’t find a not-so-healthy ingredient in your pantry and would then have to substitute it with a healthy one in your recipe. Howzattt!!

I don’t buy maida/all-purpose flour/refined flour/white flour, since it gives you only empty calories, besides raising the risk of various ailments. So my funda is simple – you don’t buy things that pose a health threat and try substituting them with healthier ones!!

Here area few simple, tasty quinoa recipes that you might want to try. These healthy recipes with quinoa have been contributed by my group mates from Facebook.

Quinoa Substitutes

Do you know quinoa makes a great substitute to rice? With low GI, quinoa does offer you plentiful benefits than white rice. It is slowly digested in the body and does not raise blood glucose levels, unlike white rice.

Did I say quinoa for weight loss is a great idea that you would want to try. Why?
Because it is fiber rich!

Quinoa for Couscous

While couscous and quinoa make a healthy substitute to white rice, the latter is nutrient rich compared to the former and 100% gluten free.

Did you know quinoa is more protein rich than egg?

Quinoa for everyday cooking is a great choice. Realizing the quinoa benefits, the FAO declared 2013 as the Year of Quinoa.

Why should you include quinoa recipes in your weekly meal plans?

A recap of quinoa benefits:

Rich in :

nutrients

proteins

tocopherols - Vitamin E (not found in many other grains)

RDA nutrients (folates, phosphorus, zinc)

phytonutrients

flavonoids

anti-inflammatory nutrients

Quinoa Idlis

My first experiment with quinoa idlis was a huge success. The idlis were loved by one and all in the family.

How to make Quinoa Idli

Dry roast quinoa and powder it..
Mix both semolina and quinoa powder.
Add grated carrot.
Stir in curd and add little amount of water so that there is no dry flour visible.
Allow it to sit for 30 mts.
After that, add baking soda, salt, turmeric, and more water to reach idli batter consistency.
Add coriander leaves. Do not overmix.
Steam quinoa idlis.
I have followed OPOS technique for steaming idlis.
Pour idli batter in the wells of greased idli maker.
Cover and heat on high for 2 whistles.
Remove idlis upon cooling.
Enjoy nutty quinoa idlis. I love quinoa for its nutty flavor.

Quinoa Dosa

How to make quinoa dosa

quinoa dosa without rice

quinoa dosa for diabetics : a gluten-free recipe

Let's prepare the quinoa dosa batter first. Just like other dosa varieties using fermented batter, quinoa dosa needs fermentation and prior preparation.
Let's get started.
Wash both dals separately and soak for 5-6 hours.
Wash poha and soak in a separate container.
Wash quinoa well and soak separately for 5-6 hours.
Then after the soaking time is over, it's time to prepare the quinoa dosa batter.
Grind dals separately using ice cubes if you are doing it in a mixer grinder. The tip was shared by Chitra Balachander. Use ice cubes instead of cold water. It will help the grinder not get too hot while it is doing the heavy work.
Do not use too much of ice cubes though - use only enough to grind the contents.
Grind each ingredient separately without water and then mix everything together in a large vessel, where it can rise beautifully after fermentation overnight.
Next morning, take the required amount of batter and refrigerate the rest.
Add salt and water, as required, for quinoa dosa. You may even add a tadka of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal.
Heat a dosa tawa/skillet.
Add 1 tsp of water atop when it gets hot and use a cloth or kitchen towel to clean it with pressure - just as you see the dosa walas do.
No need for oil here.
Take a full laddle of the batter and drop on the hot skillet. Spread it with the laddle while the stovetop is on high flame.
Gradually bring the flame to medium - cover the dosa and allow it to turn crispy. Flip sides if you want to. I always do this, as I have seen my MIL do so.
Enjoy quinoa dosa with sambar of your choice and coconut or tomato chutney or even with minty ajwain leaves chutney.

Quinoa vegetable pulao by Sangeeta Chandra

quinoa recipe by Sangeeta Chandra

Here is one simple, tasty quinoa recipe from a dear friend Sangeeta Chandra.

Soak one cup quinoa in water for 10 minutes.

In a kahadai saute one chopped onion.

Add fresh green peas. Cook till tender.

Add broccoli florets.

Saute for few minutes.

Drain water from quinoa and add to the khadai.

Now add 2 cups of water and salt and garam masala. More masala can be added according to taste.

More veggies can be added according to preferences.

Cover and cook until all water is absorbed. Shall take approx. 15 to 20 minutes.

Switch off the flame and keep it covered for a few minutes.

Now open and serve.

Quinoa Recipe: Quinoa Upma by Madhu Agnani

Another tasty quinoa recipe from Madhu Agnani, who has a repertoire of healthy recipes.

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